Appetite Stimulants: 9 Medications That Make You Want to Eat

Certain health conditions — such as cancer and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — can take a toll on the appetite. Pain, trouble swallowing, and medication side effects can all make it challenging to eat if you have one of these conditions.

If you or a loved one are experiencing unwanted weight loss, you may be wondering about ways to get your appetite back. Medications aren’t the only option, but they can come in handy if the time comes.

Megestrol and dronabinol (Marinol) are a few examples of prescription appetite stimulants — also known as orexigenics. They work by increasing your appetite to help you eat more. But several products are available, so it’s good to keep your options in mind. Below, we discuss nine appetite stimulants in detail.

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1. Megestrol

Megestrol is an FDA-approved medication that’s used to stimulate appetite and to manage cachexia (wasting away of muscle and fat) in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It comes as an oral liquid when used as an appetite enhancer.

A lab-made form of progesterone, it’s not completely known how megestrol stimulates appetite. But if your healthcare professional suggests it for you, the recommended dosage of megestrol depends on what formulation you’re taking, as shown in the chart below.

Megestrol is also sometimes taken off-label as an appetite stimulant for people with cancer. But there is mixed information about whether there is a meaningful benefit for people living with advanced cancer.

Megestrol isn’t the safest option for everyone, either. Pregnant women, for example, should avoid taking megestrol since it could harm the fetus. And megestrol can raise the risk of blood clots. You should call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you experience signs of a blood clot, such as sudden pain or swelling in your arm or leg, chest pain, or trouble breathing, while taking it.

2. Dronabinol

Dronabinol is another approved appetite stimulant for adults with AIDS. It’s taken 2 times a day, 1 hour before lunch and dinner.

Studies suggest dronabinol can increase body weight by up to 3 kg (7 lbs) in people who have HIV or AIDS. A lab-made version of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it’s also used to treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

Like any medication, dronabinol can cause side effects. Stomach pain, dizziness, and paranoia are a few examples. It’s also a controlled substance because it has a potential to cause dependence and misuse.

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3. Oxandrolone

Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid that acts like an appetite stimulant. It was sometimes used to promote weight gain in adults and kids following weight loss from certain situations — including after surgery, from an infection, or from certain medications. Oxandrolone increased body weight by promoting muscle growth.

There are some serious oxandrolone side effects to be aware of, though. The medication carries a boxed warning — the FDA’s most serious warning — about the risk of liver injury, liver cancer, and increased lipid levels. And like dronabinol, oxandrolone is a controlled substance because of the risk of dependence and misuse.

Important: In late June 2023, the FDA withdrew its approval of oxandrolone. It's no longer available in the U.S. due to safety concerns. It’s still available in select countries throughout the world.

4. Antidepressants like mirtazapine

Mirtazapine (Remeron) is approved to treat depression in adults. Two of the most common side effects of this atypical antidepressant are increased appetite and weight gain.

While these side effects usually aren’t ideal, some people opt to take advantage of them by taking mirtazapine off-label as an appetite stimulant. The medication is even being studied in clinical trials as an appetite stimulant for people with cancer. The dosage taken in these studies ranges from 7.5 mg to 30 mg per day by mouth.

Several other antidepressants — including paroxetine (Paxil), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), and amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant — can also cause weight gain. However, these aren't typically used off-label for this purpose.

5. Corticosteroids like prednisone

Weight gain is a common side effect of corticosteroids like prednisone. But it’s more likely to occur with higher doses and long-term use.

Weight gain from corticosteroids can happen for a few reasons. Corticosteroids can cause fluid buildup, which can lead to weight gain. They also mimic the hormone cortisol in the body. At high levels, cortisol can cause you to eat more, and it can also change how your body processes sugar and fats.

For these reasons, oral corticosteroids can be used off-label as appetite stimulants for people with cancer. Dexamethasone is a common choice, but prednisolone and methylprednisolone (Medrol) have also been studied as appetite stimulants.

6. Antihistamines like cyproheptadine

Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that treats allergies. But it’s also sometimes used off-label as an appetite stimulant. It’s less popular than similar antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and it’s only available with a prescription.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and desloratadine (Clarinex) are other antihistamines that may also stimulate appetite.

Good to know: Not all cyproheptadine products are safe to take. A cyprohepatine-containing product called Apetamin is occasionally promoted for weight gain on social media. But in April 2023, the FDA issued a formal warning about potentially serious side effects from Apetamin, such as liver injury and heart problems.

7. Anti-seizure medications like valproic acid

Certain anti-seizure medications can affect your appetite, too. Weight gain caused by a larger-than-normal appetite is common with the anti-seizure medication valproic acid. This is estimated to affect up to 58% of people who take the medication, with an average weight gain of 6 kg (13 lbs).

Other anti-seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), vigabatrin (Sabril), and pregabalin (Lyrica), can cause similar effects. Gabapentin (Neurontin) may have appetite stimulating effects, too.

However, anti-seizure medications aren’t commonly prescribed as appetite stimulants. There’s limited research in this space, and these medications can cause a number of side effects and interactions.

8. Antipsychotics like olanzapine

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an antipsychotic medication that treats schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. One risk is that it can stimulate appetite and contribute to weight gain. In fact, about 80% of people experience at least a 7% increase in their baseline body weight after starting treatment with olanzapine for psychosis.

While this side effect is frustrating for many people who take olanzapine, it can help people experiencing appetite or weight loss. One study involving people taking chemotherapy found that 2.5 mg of olanzapine daily for 12 weeks (3 months) improved appetite and weight gain significantly compared to a placebo (pill with no medication).

Other antipsychotics that can stimulate appetite and cause weight gain include:

• Clozapine (Clozaril)

• Iloperidone (Fanapt)

• Paliperidone (Invega)

• Quetiapine (Seroquel)

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

9. Cannabis

Cannabis is a well-known appetite stimulant. Its effects even have a nickname. Cannabis-induced food cravings are commonly referred to as “the munchies.”

Medical cannabis has been widely used as an appetite stimulant for people with medical conditions like cancer and HIV. However, there are limited studies about how effective cannabis is for weight gain specifically. And cannabis is still technically illegal in the U.S., though many states have now legalized it for both medicinal and recreational use.

Talk to a healthcare professional about whether or not cannabis is an option for you and the laws and availability in your state.

Are there any appetite stimulants that aren’t medications?

Yes, studies suggest certain essential oils may serve as appetite stimulants. Cinnamon, black pepper, and clove are a few examples. But more research is needed to confirm these benefits. Many essential oils can also cause side effects if taken orally. You should always check with a healthcare professional before doing so, even if the bottle says you can take it orally.

Small adjustments may also boost your appetite. A few include:

• Eating small meals more frequently throughout the day

• Exercising more routinely

• Drinking water between — but not during — meals

• Preparing food that’s appealing with different flavors and colors

Are any dietary supplements considered appetite stimulants?

There are a few dietary supplements that may help boost appetite over time for some people. Fish oil, zinc, and vitamin B1 (thiamine) are a few examples. Low levels of zinc, vitamin B1, etc may cause appetite loss. So supporting them with a supplement could be one answer to getting your appetite back.

Good to know: Not many studies have analyzed dietary supplements as natural appetite stimulants. And supplements come with their own side effects and potential interactions. So be sure to talk with your prescriber and pharmacist before you start taking any new dietary supplements.

How to save on appetite stimulants

There are ways to save on appetite stimulant medications. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx coupons, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. For example, you may be able to find a weight gain medication for as low as $16 with a free GoodRx coupon.

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Written by:

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, CPh, PACS

Jennifer Gershman, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Florida. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 15 years and is currently a medical writer.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Reviewed by:

Rachel Feaster, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS

Rachel Feaster has over 10 years of professional experience in ambulatory, inpatient, pharmacogenomics, and oncology care. She is board certified in oncology and pharmacotherapy.

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